Category: Homepage Latest News

West End State School Expansion Set to Start, Public Feedback Sought

A long-awaited change is soon to happen at West End State School (WESS).

After Christmas and during the holidays, demolition work will commence to make way for the expansion of West End State School.

Locals have long called for the expansion of the inner-city school. To realise this expansion, the State Government purchased the properties bounded by Horan, Ambleside and Vulture streets, just directly across the existing WESS campus.

While the properties on the expansion lot are being demolished, the planning and design team will work on the detailed design based on the master plan.

Addressing Enrolment Demand

WESS has seen strong enrolment growth in recent years. In that last 10 years, about 5,000 students have joined Queensland state schools in and around the inner city. The government expects to see over 3,000 new students moving into the Brisbane CBD area in the next five years.

Read: West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding

At the moment, the West End school has more than 1,000 enrolled students. To accommodate additional enrolments, the government has chosen the Dutton Park Ecosciences Precinct as the site for the second inner-city south school. Another school is also being built in Fortitude Valley to address the enrolment demand in the inner north.

The project is part of the Queensland Government’s Building Future Schools Fund, which will inject over $800 million for new and growing communities.

Read: New Dutton Park School to Help Address School Overcrowding in Inner City

Read: Proposed Site for New Inner South Gets Low Mark from Locals

Have Your Say on the Master Plan

The master plan calls for new school buildings on the purchased lot on Horan Street. These buildings will accommodate additional enrolments as well as specialised teaching spaces at WESS.

West End State School Master Plan
Photo credit: Queensland Government

In general, the master plan will include the following key elements:

  • Two general learning buildings
  • Administration and resource hub
  • Creative and performing arts
  • Undercroft areas to provide covered space
  • Additional open and green space
  • Demolition of properties acquired for the expansion
  • Possible closure of Horan Street between Ambleside and Vulture streets. These will be incorporated into the school grounds to provide additional outdoor space and ensuring student safety across the campus
  • Designated pick up/drop off zones

The development will come in stages, with Stage 1 set for completion in 2020. Completion of the first stage will increase the school’s capacity from 952 to 1,350. Stage 2, which should be completed in 2022, will increase capacity to 1,500 students.

Public consultation regarding the master plan will be open until Thursday 3 January 2019.

Complete the feedback form to have your say on the WESS expansion master plan.

Plans for the Musgrave Park Swimming Pool Refurbishment Released

Council has recently released the improvement plans for the Musgrave Park Swimming Pool in South Brisbane.

New 15m x 8m Learn to Swim pool. Photo credit: Brisbane Planning and Development Online

The proposed plans for the Musgrave Park Pool refurbishment includes a new 15m x 8m Learn to Swim pool which will be heated and will also have PWD access.

Photo credit: Brisbane Planning and Development Online

Furthermore, the existing 50-metre pool will also have modifications. Improvements to the pool involve the following:

  1. Increasing the depth and width for enhanced water polo activities.
  2. New layout with nine lanes.
  3. Installation of a new elevated concourse with a wet edge on both long sides of the pool.
  4. Addition of an internal ramp for PWD access into the pool.
  5. Addition of heating.
  6. Installation of new pole lights.

Read: West End Recreation Hub is Now Open

Photo credit: Brisbane Planning and Development Online

Other improvements works that will be done in the facility include the following:

  1. Minor alterations to the grandstand and installation of new lighting.
  2. New pool plant plus installation of new equipment.
  3. Improvements in the administration building. These include:
  • a. Refurbishment of change rooms and amenities.
  • b. Addition of PWD amenities.
  1. New entry which includes stairs and PWD access ramp.
  2. A future water play area.

Locals are welcome to submit their comments on the current proposal. To learn more about the proposal or lodge a submission, check the Application Details for A005087519.

Read: Summer School Holidays Activities at West Village

 

Summer School Holidays Activities at West Village

Lots of exciting and fun activities await kids this summer school holidays at the newly opened parkland, The Common at West Village; best of all, they are all for free!

Creative Kids

Creative Kids Brisbane runs a free outdoor art space at West Village for children of all ages to explore their creative side, seven days a week. Parents and guardians must be present at all times. The art space is open Mon – Fri from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M and Sat & Sun from 9 A.M to 12 A.M.

Schedule of Summer Workshops:

  • Messy Monday – Messy art using hands and fingers. Old clothes are recommended for a total enjoyment.
  • Sensory Tuesday / Thursday – Engage the senses through textured art materials, alternate techniques, and sensory play.
  • Art and Science Wednesday – Science based art activities. Kindly bring your own lab coat and safety glasses.
  • Fluro Friday – Cap off the week with all things fluro.
Creative Kids & The Common at West Village

Video Credit: West Village / YouTube

West Village Eco Kids

In conjunction with CitySmart, West Village has launched the West Village Eco Kids — a series of free green workshops for kids of all ages. The workshops will run for three weeks beginning 3 December to 21 December 2018, weekdays from from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M. To book and for more details, you may visit this webpage.

West Village Twilight Kids

Fun activities continue on till the early evening as West Village presents the West Village Twilight Kids — a variety of kids activities at The Common such as Bubble workshops, Slime workshops, Lantern making, and a Silent Disco Yoga. Workshops will run four days per week beginning 10 December 2018, from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.

Registrations are essential; all bookings are free. Visit this webpage for more details.

The Garden Pantry

Photo Credit: West Village / Facebook

Where there are kids, food should not be far away. So, feel free to head to The Garden Pantry to refuel and enjoy mouth-watering food from three of Brisbane’s popular restaurants: Salt Meats Cheese, Cheeky Poke Bar, and Mr Bunz.

The Garden Pantry is where one will find al fresco dining, tropical-inspired indoor dining, and grab-and-go options while enjoying the Light Garden by Luxxbox — an interactive display of 2500 light reeds scattered around and lighting up the parkland at night.

Salt Meats Cheese

Salt Meats Cheese, or SMC, is an Italian eatery serving fully plant-based vegan and vegetarian wood fired pizza with cured meats as adds-ons. SMC will also feature a botanical cocktail bar made extra special with hand made infusions and ingredients from Australian native herbs. Lastly, Fresh coffee, roasted and served daily via their new business, “The Laneway Coffee Roasters by SMC”.

Cheeky Poke Bar

 

Cheeky Poke Bar serves Hawaiian-and-Japanese-inspired Poke bowls like the Salmon-GF (sashimi salmon, coconut turmeric rice, cabbage, kale, cucumber, wakame, pickled ginger, wasabi mayo, taro crisps, 64-degree egg, cheeky nori, sesame, togarashi, and salt) and Prawn-GF (fresh mooloolaba prawns, coconut turmeric rice, cabbage, beetroot, daikon, wakame, enoki, sriracha mayo, puffed rice, avocado, cheeky nori, sesame, togarashi, and salt).

Cheeky takes pride in the fact that it sources its fresh seafood from older sibling Fresh N Wild Fish. They also serve protein options for those who have an intolerance to seafood such as Chicken-GF (chicken, brown rice, spinach, carrot, beetroot, corn, creamy asian sauce, wasabi peas, avocado, cheeky nori, sesame, togarashi, and salt).

Mr Bunz


Mr Bunz offers a taste of the East with their signature bao buns — fluffy steamed buns — filled with either crackling roasted pork belly, crispy spiced fried chicken, or Peking duck with crispy skin.

Check out these eateries at these times:

  • Salt Meats Cheese: 7 A.M. – 9.30 P.M.
  • Mr Bunz: 11.30 A.M. – 9 P.M.
  • Cheeky Poke: 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.

Read: West End River Hub to Boost Tourism Along Brisbane River

 

West End Recreation Hub is Now Open

The West End Recreation Hub, the city’s first ever river hub, has officially opened to the public last October and will soon form part of a world-class River Access Network.

The facility located on the Riverside Drive between Kurilpa and Rogers Streets in West End, will provide a river access point and a way for tourists and locals to access the area and local businesses.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/brisbane.qld.gov.au

The West End public pontoon features:

  • a new launch site and short-term use area for non-motorised craft including kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards
  • a short-term use area for recreational craft
  • a future water taxi pick-up and drop-off location

Growing your Brisbane lifestyle – explore the river and Moreton Bay

The facility, which is suitable for vessels weighing up to 75 tonnes, will allow crafts to stay for a period of up to two hours, unless otherwise signed by the Council. The 25-metre long pontoon can accommodate up to 10 vessels at a time and could soon be a drop-off and pick-up point for a new taxi service.

“People will now be able to float straight into West End and dock their water craft for up to two hours while they enjoy Brisbane’s New World City lifestyle.

“Anglers won’t miss out either, with Council allowing fishing to take place on the city’s new river hubs as part of a trial,” Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Over the next 12 months, the Council will monitor the usage of the pontoon and where possible, update all or any of the operation aspects such as duration of stay, signage, and usage, based on community feedback.

Brisbane receives more than eight million visitors a year, however, the lack of short-term river-based infrastructure has limited the opportunities for the visitors’ to experience the Brisbane River. The opening of the West End River Hub marks the beginning of a new era in lifestyle and leisure opportunities for Brisbane tourism, Councillor Schrinner said.

River Access Network

Two additional river hubs, one in New Farm and another in Dutton Park, are also in progress and will soon be opened to the public as part of the growing River Access Network.

River Access Network – New Farm Park and Alice Street

The River Access Network is an implementation plan of the Council for a world-class network of river access infrastructure for tourists and locals to enjoy the Brisbane River

Key opportunities in the River Access Network include:

  • Tour boats – expanded opportunities for pick-up and drop-off of tour boat passengers at key riverside destinations.
  • Water taxis – a new transport alternative for Brisbane, on-demand water taxis are well suited to small group travel for recreation or business as they directly link high density residential areas with key destinations.
  • Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards – an expanded network of access points for these craft at regular intervals along the river.
  • Yachts, small boats and jet skis – new opportunities for short-term use for recreational craft at key destinations.

To know more about the River Access Network, you may visit the Council’s web page.

Proposed 5-Storey Residential Building on Amersham Street, West End Faces Opposition from Neighbours

A five-storey residential building could rise at 8 &10 Amersham Street in West End should a development application by Amersham Street Pty Ltd be approved. But this DA is facing some strong opposition from people in the neighbourhood.

The proposal calls for 23 residential apartments consisting of eight 2-bedroom units and 15 3-bedroom units. Two basement levels will provide 39 car parking spaces, 35 of which will be for residents and four spaces for visitors.

Designed by Arkhefield Architecture, the development would provide residents with their own private open space in the form of balconies and private terraces. A rooftop terrace will also be built for recreational use and will give residents beautiful city views.

Amersham West End Development Application
Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

 

Read: Controversial West End Riverfront Development Application Secures Council Approval

Read: Modern Recycling Depot in West End to Open in November for Container Refund Scheme

Local Opposition

Locals living within the vicinity are voicing their concerns and opposition to the proposed development. Their foremost concern is the height of the building. They say that the 6-storey height does not conform to the low-medium density residential zone. Submissions state that the area is limited to building height of three storeys.

In response to this particular issue, the developer said that the site is not subject to the 3-storey height limit as it is within the boundaries of the South Brisbane riverside neighbourhood plan which allows buildings of up to 5 storeys.

The developer also insists that the building is only 5 storeys from the ground plus basement levels. Due to the sloping land, however, part of the basement at one side protrudes by more than one metre above the ground.

Submissions also noted the lack of setback which should be at least 6 metres. Some locals are also concerned that the development would negatively minimise natural light and breezes at surrounding homes and businesses. Neighbours also raised the issue of the negative on their privacy.

Some residents raised the issue of the negative impact of the proposed building to the character of the neighbourhood. They also noted the impact of the development on the heritage and character houses in the area.

Other issues raised include the lack of green space in the proposal. Neighbours are also concerned that the addition of 23 apartment units will further worsen the traffic flow in the area.

Find out more about Development Application (A004967838).

The Garden Pantry West End Opens with Three Top-Notch Restaurants

Another foodie haven has opened in West End as The Garden Pantry, West Village‘s newest dining precinct, brings three of Brisbane’s well-loved restaurants to Boundary Street.

Photo credit: West Village/Facebook

The Garden Pantry has a promising line up of food joints that are ready to boost the dining experience in West Village. The three famous restaurants that have joined West Village are Cheeky Poke, Mr Bunz, and Salt Meats Cheese.

Cheeky Poke

Photo credit: Cheeky Poke/Facebook

Popular for their colourful poke bowls and signature tacos, Cheeky Poke Bar promises to deliver the freshest bowls in town. Their menu boasts clean, healthy, and flavorful meals that are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Cheeky Poke is famous for serving up Hawaiian and Japanese fusion food with an Australian twist.

Read: Great Spots for Organic Food Options at West End

Mr Bunz

Photo credit: West Village/Facebook

Another beloved restaurant in Brisbane, Mr Bunz brings the flavours of Asia to West Village. Apart from their signature bao buns and South-East Asian inspired dishes, Mr Bunz will also be offering tri-weekly special and unique dessert baos to The Garden Pantry.

Curious about their changing menu? You may check out their Facebook page for updates on their specials.

Salt Meats Cheese

Photo credit: Salt Meats Cheese/Facebook

Last but definitely not the least is the renowned Salt Meats Cheese that has opened up their second Brisbane location at The Garden Pantry. Favoured for their signature cheese wheel pasta and authentic Italian dishes, Salt Meats Cheese brings a taste of Italy to West End.

Can’t get enough of their delicious pizza and pasta? Get a chance to learn how to make them yourself as the restaurant will also be opening a cooking school later in 2018. Lead by Salt Meats Cheese’s very own, Stefano De Blasi, the culinary classes will be the first on offer by Salt Meats Cheese in Brisbane.

Owners of Salt Meats Cheese, Cheeky Poke and Mr Bunz. Photo credit: West Village/Facebook

The Garden Pantry certainly took West Village’s dining experience to the next level with these three top-rated restaurants in their roster. Read more about what West Village has to offer on their website.

Controversial West End Riverfront Development Application Secures Council Approval

The controversial West End riverfront development application at 117 Victoria Street has secured approval from the Brisbane City Council.

According to the application details for A004827228, approval for the Crown Group’s West End development application was granted last 11 October. Prior to the decision, the Council, in its Further Issues Letter dated 31 August 2018, had asked the applicant to amend the development plans for the 1.25-hectare property.

The applicant was advised, among other changes, to ensure the amended design incorporates:
A three or four-tower building form with a minimum of 10-metre separation between towers.
Length of all elevations complementary to 40 metres, with significant recessing every 15 metres.
Tower elements that extend no more than 75% of the podium
A detailed plan that demonstrates significant solar access, cross ventilation and privacy.

In their response dated 13 September 2018, the applicant indicated their detailed minor amendments including the revised plan of proposed development and revised landscape concept plans.

“The multiple towers provide a slender built form outcome that reduces the visual bulk and scale of the development, encourages views and access to sunlight and cross ventilation through the site and is consistent with Acceptable Outcome AO3.3 of the South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan Code,” the applicant said.

Revised Tower Form

 

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Tower Lengths

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Deep Planting Areas

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The applicated stated that the proposed 12-storey multiple dwelling is consistent with the Neighbourhood Plan and the current proposal across the site. The proposed development also provides 1,444 sqm (12.5% of the site area) of deep planting which the applicant stated is consistent with the Multiple Dwelling Code.

Disappointment Over the Decision

However, Greens Councillor the Gabba Jonathan Sri and local residents opposed to the development proposal expressed disappointment over the decision.

“I’ve just received word that the massive development application for 117 Victoria Street, West End has been approved by council. This is the four very long 12-storey apartment towers (they’re actually more like 14 storeys tall) with around 450 apartments and 480 carparks,” Cr Sri said on his Facebook page post.

“In response to pressure from my office and local resident groups, council has made the developer reduce the built form of the building a little bit, with slightly more space between the towers, but it’s still far bigger and denser than I consider appropriate for this site.

“Among other issues, under the neighbourhood plan the towers are supposed to be set back 20 metres from the neighbouring public park along Riverside Drive, but council has allowed setbacks of only 9 metres to the closest residential balconies, which will cause major issues down the track when we want to install features like basketball courts and BBQs in the park.

“Remember, this is the same Victoria Street as the notorious Montague Rd/Aldi intersection, where pedestrians risk their lives every day just to get across the road. Imagine how much worse it’s going to get with hundreds more vehicles using this corridor,” Cr Sri said.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“Crazy, ugly, and dangerous. It’s not only pedestrians who risk their lives, it’s people on their bikes, motorbikes… I also risk my life as a driver, and the lives of my car occupants are also at risk. Doing the right turn from Victoria into Montague one day took me 5 straight mins, and I was taking a chance then too,” comments Facebook user Jazzy Cat.

“West End used to be wholesome and AFFORDABLE! You’re right, we need safer roads, and better public transport. Not luxury housing for the wealthy.” Facebook user Dana Bruce said.

“Also given that the broadside is north-facing, residents to the south of these proposed towers will most likely be in permanent shadow during the winter months and may get portions of intense sun in the summer months,” commented Heathington Freed.

What is touted to be the largest development site sale–$35 million–in Brisbane city’s fringe market in 2018, the West End development project will be worth $350 million once completed.

117 Victoria Street, West End

West End Home Value Drops for the Year, Stays Above $1M

The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed West End median house price still above the $1-million mark. The suburb posted annual medial sale of $1,037,500, declining -5.7% over the last 12 months but increasing by 32.2% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 9 homes sold in the suburb.

 

Australia’s Biggest Duck Race to Fight Cancer Returns to West End

The annual Australia’s Biggest Duck Race for Cancer Research returns to West End’s Riverside Drive on Sunday, 14 October 2018. The ducks are all ready to have a fun-filled day at the banks of the Brisbane River.

For its 12th year,  the quacking great race is giving one lucky duck a chance to win $25,000 cash or car.

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

All proceeds from the Duck Race will go towards cancer research and will support innovative, life-saving cancer research based at the PA Hospital Campus which is home to the world’s first cancer vaccine.

Event Details

What:     Australia’s Biggest Duck Race for Cancer Research
When: Sunday, 14 October 2018 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Riverside Drive, West End

Buy Duck Tickets

Read: West End River Hub to Boost Tourism Along Brisbane River

Activities and Competitions

Australia’s Biggest Duck Race

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

The event’s main race is on at 4:00 p.m. and will see tens of thousands of yellow rubber ducks race along a 100-metre course.

Prizes for the main race include:

First prize: Winner gets a chance to choose between $25,000 cash or a Motor Vehicle to the value of $25,000.

Second prize: A boat supplied by Port of Brisbane valued at $10,000 and a $400 BCF voucher.

Event staff will collect the rubber ducks afterwards so that nothing will be left wandering around the river.

Go Quackers Kids’ Zone

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

This is an area dedicated for kids to have fun, learn, and explore.

Little quackers will get a chance to meet Festival Ambassadors and Network TEN personalities, Ollie and Elly from Toasted TV. Children can also watch live stage shows from Ranger Stacey and Totally Wild.

Other activities for kids include Air Brush Tattoos, Animal Farm, Fairy Floss,  Climbing Wall, and Face Painting. They also get to enjoy slushies and popcorn.

Giant Duck Race

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

The race will see competitors take on each other as they ride a giant inflatable duck on the Brisbane River. Prepare for a good laugh as the giant ducks battle down a 50-metre course.

Regatta Gourmet Street Bites

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

A selection of delectable food from the Regatta Gourmet Street will surely satisfy hungry festival goers. Visitors can savour deliciously made pizza, calamari, tandoori skewers, sausage rolls, and pies as well as a mouth-watering spit roast.

Regatta Ducks Nuts Inn

Photo credit: Australia’s Biggest Duck Race/Facebook

Open for adults above 18 years, The Regatta Ducks Nuts Inn will be having a bar serving your favourite drinks. Watching the races will perhaps be more fun with a sip of your favourite drink.

Full details of the program will soon be announced. Visit the event’s website for updates.

Brisbane Fashion Month 2018 to have an Outdoor Fashion Runway in West End

A month-long celebration of fashion awaits fashionistas this October with Brisbane Fashion Month 2018. This year, an outdoor fashion runway is coming to West End’s new West Village precinct.

Brisbane Fashion Month is having a series of events that will showcase the best of the Brisbane and Queensland fashion community.

Brisbane Fashion Month 2018 Events

Photo credit: Brisbane Fashion Month/Facebook

For its third year, audiences will be able to see more than 35 local designers’ collections. From active, swim, and resort wear to occasion and bridal collections from some of the biggest names in Queensland fashion, the event’s series of runways are sure to draw a crowd of fashion lovers, sponsors, and industry alike.

This year’s events include the BFM 2018 Wintergarden pop-up store, Ethical Clothing Australia forum, Next Gen Fashion Show, Bespoke Designer Runway, and Wintergarden Fashion Runway.

Photo credit: Brisbane Fashion Month/Facebook

In addition, you can learn, network, and create opportunity with Brisbane Fashion Month’s signature event, BFM Business Workshop.

Ending with the night of nights, the Resort Finale will showcase resort glamour and high-end designer fashion as only Queensland knows how. Tickets for the finale event is inclusive of a three-hour food and beverage package, so make sure to dress to impress.

For the full event information, visit Brisbane Fashion Month 2018’s events page.

Read: Jane Street, West End Residential Towers | Proposed Development

Event Prizes and Publication

Photo credit: brisbanefashionmonth.com.au

This year’s celebration also includes the release of a new publication called The Pocket Guide to Brisbane Fashion. The publication contains 84 pages full of inspiration for your next fashion find. Discover and shop from local designers and support the industry you love.

The Pocket Guide is available at all Brisbane Fashion Month events and is included with each ticket. You may also download your own copy for $3.95.

Photo credit: brisbanefashionmonth.com.au

Brisbane’s most glamorous event is also giving one lucky fashionista a chance to win a $3,000 Flight Centre Gift Card for a shopping holiday in Hong Kong. Feeling lucky? Simply fill out the online form to enter.

Visit Brisbane Fashion Month 2018’s official website to learn more.